Ahmad joins Cong rally

Ranchi, Nov. 18: Congress state in-charge Shakeel Ahmad today decided to join state president Pradeep Balmuchu's ongoing padyatra crusade for panchayati raj members to spread the message of party scion Rahul Gandhi.

During his recent Jharkhand visit, Rahul met Congress loyalists among elected rural members and urged them to make panchayati raj "functional".

On Foundation Day, Congress state president and MP Pradeep Balmuchu started a padyatra from tribal legend Birsa Munda's birthplace Chalkad in Khunti and went on to address public gatherings and party-worker meetings in Murhu, Arki, Khunti and others. Today, he entered Ranchi, where Ahmad joined him.

Ahmad advised party workers to "thoroughly expose" the failures of the BJP-led Arjun Munda government.

"The Munda government has failed miserably. It held panchayat polls two years ago under Congress pressure, but is yet to transfer power. While celebrating 13th Foundation Day, chief minister announced free PC tablets for every student passing matriculation. The fact is, funds will come from the Congress-led Centre," Ahmad said in Hatia Assembly constituency.